This is similar to the bit we hear when Frog One finally leaves the parking with the loaded car. The 'dying trumpet' heard there struck a very big chord indeed with me when I first heard it. A pity the excerpt here is only 50 seconds long. I could listen to music like this forever.
This is vivid, frightening stuff. IMO, this and the closing music perfectly captures the mood of urban paranoia that exists the film. I don't think there's really any way to categorize this music - not jazz, not urban funk, just brilliant. It's every bit as unnerving now as it was 40 years ago.
"Eerie" is the word to describe this final variant of the "Copstail" theme as the detectives creep through the dark, derelict building. It resumes moments later as the End Theme once they realize they've failed to get their man.The enigmatic final gunshot echoes through the abandoned ruin - a shot fired in anger and frustration at having lost the game.
You know, I listen to this piece from time to time, especially when I'm going through a moment on the job and it releases something within my brain molecules. This was and still remains one of the most poignant musical pieces in the history of cinema music. Just magnificent.
The ending to The French Connection sends a chill down my spine every time. The creepy building, Popeye unaffected when he shoots Mulderig and this haunting score all add up to one of the greatest climaxes in film.
@Banner1979 ~ That is such a true statement. Most of the 70's movies (i.e. Bullitt, The Seven Ups, Deathwish, The Taking of Pelham 123, Busting, The Stone Killer, Mr. Majestyk, Emperor of the North, Rocky, Star Wars (original), Jaws, The Deep, etc...) along with The French Connection, were all phenominal movies which were complimented with equally amazing soundracks. Probably, the best natural action decade in cinema history.
@Baltimorehop I think you've said it right there about the '70s being the best natural action decade. The music was more organic and orchestral whereas in the '80s, it became over-synthesized and laden with too many electronic, computerised effects. As well as those movies, there were also the Clint Eastwood actioners that were brilliantly done by Lalo Schifrin and Jerry Fielding.
@Banner1979 ~ Especially the ending of Dirty Harry. If just doesn't get any better than that. Mr. Schifrin's piece illustrated sadness to the clamity that Inspector Callahan endured on the job between the "Brass" and the creeps he had combat in the streets of San Francisco. As far as the 80's themes, those along with the 90's and 21st Century pieces can hold water next to the 70's Hall of Fame movie themes. Nor did I add movies like Shaft & Super Fly for there brilliant themes.
@Baltimorehop Across 110th Street was another gritty '70s movie with a memorable theme. Also, there was Quincy Jones' soundtrack to one of Steve McQueen's most action-packed thrillers The Getaway. That was very unique and funky in its day. Shaft was a great one as well and so was Hickey & Boggs.
@Banner1979 ~ Aaaahhh. Quincey in the Original The Getaway. That one flew over my escaped me and I have that DVD in my collection. Point taken. Hickey & Boggs, I have to check that out. Thank you for the heads up and look forward to the next chat on good quality movie soundtracks. - DM a/k/a Baltimorehop
@Baltimorehop You're welcome. It's been a pleasure speaking to you about them. BTW have you got the soundtrack to The Seven-Ups? That was also by Don Ellis and was just as exciting and suspenseful as his French Connection ones.
@East180thStreetYard ~ Hey E.180thStYard, thanks for the correction on Bullitts official release. I often slip on that b/c it was in the early 70's when I actually saw Bullitt. The first time I saw it, it was on the ABC Latenight movies. Remember those? Good post.
@Baltimorehop That's quite allright.I pride myself on being a "historian" of sorts,so when I see something that might not be historically accurate,I'll point out the error without being too offensive because we all make mistakes.That Don Ellis "Frog One" bit is one of the most erie sounds in motion picture history.The entire Don Ellis "French Connection Music" was posted on YouTube,but removed probably due to copyright violation.
@East180thStreetYard ~ Yeah, its a shame they took it off. There's site called 70's Movie Grooves and they use to have Soundtrack samples for the entire movie and the French Connection was one of them. I actually heard the entire soundtrack through them before they did the same thing. I know the music is a copyright but I don't see the harm in listening to a sample as long as it is not downloaded illegally and re-distributed. Things may change in the future.
One of the most devastating movie sound pieces I have ever heard. This had a psychological effect on me as a kid as I view the French Connection. It gave me an in depth view of what Detective "Pop Eye" Doyle was feeling when he was investigating. To me, it was unlike watching a normal cop. It was deeper than that. Don Ellis is a tremendous job on that soundtrack and it one of my favorite of all time.
Imagine popeyes shits,big bum cigars
seesnap 1 month ago
It's like having a shit in the same jacks as Doyle,you can almost smell doylez
seesnap 1 month ago
This is similar to the bit we hear when Frog One finally leaves the parking with the loaded car. The 'dying trumpet' heard there struck a very big chord indeed with me when I first heard it. A pity the excerpt here is only 50 seconds long. I could listen to music like this forever.
minkofan 1 month ago
This is vivid, frightening stuff. IMO, this and the closing music perfectly captures the mood of urban paranoia that exists the film. I don't think there's really any way to categorize this music - not jazz, not urban funk, just brilliant. It's every bit as unnerving now as it was 40 years ago.
CTyankee4277 3 months ago
Superbt!
jazzjanne1 3 months ago
"Eerie" is the word to describe this final variant of the "Copstail" theme as the detectives creep through the dark, derelict building. It resumes moments later as the End Theme once they realize they've failed to get their man.The enigmatic final gunshot echoes through the abandoned ruin - a shot fired in anger and frustration at having lost the game.
speeta 11 months ago
Chilling to the bone. I love it!!
quirpco 1 year ago
very scary music
92af 1 year ago
every great movie has a great soundtrack .. they go hand in hand
kirkstate 1 year ago
You know, I listen to this piece from time to time, especially when I'm going through a moment on the job and it releases something within my brain molecules. This was and still remains one of the most poignant musical pieces in the history of cinema music. Just magnificent.
Baltimorehop 1 year ago
The ending to The French Connection sends a chill down my spine every time. The creepy building, Popeye unaffected when he shoots Mulderig and this haunting score all add up to one of the greatest climaxes in film.
supermario0527 1 year ago 3
@supermario0527 --you are a true connoisseur....."The Seven-ups"--a continuation of the same aura--but you probably know that already......
tennispro561 1 year ago
Hauntingly eerie and effective piece of work which really elevated The French Connection to classic cop movie status.
Banner1979 1 year ago 9
@Banner1979 ~ That is such a true statement. Most of the 70's movies (i.e. Bullitt, The Seven Ups, Deathwish, The Taking of Pelham 123, Busting, The Stone Killer, Mr. Majestyk, Emperor of the North, Rocky, Star Wars (original), Jaws, The Deep, etc...) along with The French Connection, were all phenominal movies which were complimented with equally amazing soundracks. Probably, the best natural action decade in cinema history.
Baltimorehop 1 year ago
@Baltimorehop I think you've said it right there about the '70s being the best natural action decade. The music was more organic and orchestral whereas in the '80s, it became over-synthesized and laden with too many electronic, computerised effects. As well as those movies, there were also the Clint Eastwood actioners that were brilliantly done by Lalo Schifrin and Jerry Fielding.
Banner1979 1 year ago
@Banner1979 ~ Especially the ending of Dirty Harry. If just doesn't get any better than that. Mr. Schifrin's piece illustrated sadness to the clamity that Inspector Callahan endured on the job between the "Brass" and the creeps he had combat in the streets of San Francisco. As far as the 80's themes, those along with the 90's and 21st Century pieces can hold water next to the 70's Hall of Fame movie themes. Nor did I add movies like Shaft & Super Fly for there brilliant themes.
Baltimorehop 1 year ago
@Baltimorehop Across 110th Street was another gritty '70s movie with a memorable theme. Also, there was Quincy Jones' soundtrack to one of Steve McQueen's most action-packed thrillers The Getaway. That was very unique and funky in its day. Shaft was a great one as well and so was Hickey & Boggs.
Banner1979 1 year ago
@Banner1979 ~ Aaaahhh. Quincey in the Original The Getaway. That one flew over my escaped me and I have that DVD in my collection. Point taken. Hickey & Boggs, I have to check that out. Thank you for the heads up and look forward to the next chat on good quality movie soundtracks. - DM a/k/a Baltimorehop
Baltimorehop 1 year ago
@Baltimorehop You're welcome. It's been a pleasure speaking to you about them. BTW have you got the soundtrack to The Seven-Ups? That was also by Don Ellis and was just as exciting and suspenseful as his French Connection ones.
Banner1979 1 year ago
@Baltimorehop Bullit was released in 1968.
East180thStreetYard 1 year ago
@East180thStreetYard ~ Hey E.180thStYard, thanks for the correction on Bullitts official release. I often slip on that b/c it was in the early 70's when I actually saw Bullitt. The first time I saw it, it was on the ABC Latenight movies. Remember those? Good post.
Baltimorehop 1 year ago
@Baltimorehop That's quite allright.I pride myself on being a "historian" of sorts,so when I see something that might not be historically accurate,I'll point out the error without being too offensive because we all make mistakes.That Don Ellis "Frog One" bit is one of the most erie sounds in motion picture history.The entire Don Ellis "French Connection Music" was posted on YouTube,but removed probably due to copyright violation.
East180thStreetYard 1 year ago
@East180thStreetYard ~ Yeah, its a shame they took it off. There's site called 70's Movie Grooves and they use to have Soundtrack samples for the entire movie and the French Connection was one of them. I actually heard the entire soundtrack through them before they did the same thing. I know the music is a copyright but I don't see the harm in listening to a sample as long as it is not downloaded illegally and re-distributed. Things may change in the future.
Baltimorehop 1 year ago
One of the most devastating movie sound pieces I have ever heard. This had a psychological effect on me as a kid as I view the French Connection. It gave me an in depth view of what Detective "Pop Eye" Doyle was feeling when he was investigating. To me, it was unlike watching a normal cop. It was deeper than that. Don Ellis is a tremendous job on that soundtrack and it one of my favorite of all time.
Baltimorehop 2 years ago 10